Can a fireplace opening be too big?

Author: Devante Powlowski  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

For example if the inside dimensions of the flue are 10 x 10 equalling 100 square inches, then the fireplace opening should not exceed 10 times this or 1000 square inches. If a fireplace opening is too large it will allow more air into the fireplace than the flue can exhaust.

How big can a fireplace opening be?

Generally, the height of a typical opening ranges from 24 to 29 inches, while its width can be anywhere between 24 to 36 inches. However, for gas fireplaces, widths typically vary from 24 to 48 inches with an opening height specifically set at around 24 inches.

Can you make a fireplace opening smaller?

One product homeowners can install is called a smoke guard. A smoke guard is a flat metal bar that fits on your fireplace opening at the top. Just this one product can effectively reduce the fireplace opening size and usually corrects the original design flaw of your fireplace.

How to reduce a fireplace opening?

You can 'lower' the top at the front by installing some metal stripping, probably about 10-15cm wide. This will decrease the area where the air is drawn from and create more 'pull' to the chimney. Test it by tacking a bit of plywood or similar along the front of the fireplace to get the correct depth.

What is a big open fireplace called?

What is an Inglenook Fireplace? The inglenook fireplace is in fact the large space found either side of very large open fireplaces often found in very old pubs, where seats were formed for people to sit, share conversations, enjoy many beers and keep warm.

Internals of a masonry fireplace

What is a slammer fireplace?

Slammers- In our industry a "Slammer" is a wood insert/Pellet Insert that is pushed into a open masonry fireplace with no venting or liner attached to the top. This is allowed by many of the fireplace companies because it is a cheap alternative to properly lining and venting a insert in a open masonry fireplace.

What are the three types of fireplaces?

4 Types of Fireplaces
  • Wood: Classic wood-burning fireplaces provide heat, cozy ambiance, and nostalgia. ...
  • Gas: Gas fireplaces are inexpensive, energy-efficient alternatives to wood-burning fireplaces. ...
  • Electric: Flameless electric fireplaces are a cost-effective option that you can plug into the wall.

Is my fireplace opening too big?

An ideal fireplace opening would be no more than ten times the cross sectional area of the chimney flue. For example if the inside dimensions of the flue are 10 x 10 equalling 100 square inches, then the fireplace opening should not exceed 10 times this or 1000 square inches.

How do you hide a fireplace opening?

Here are your best options for pretending that fireplace was never there in the first place.
  1. Closing it off. If you're going to permanently hide your fireplace behind something like a wall, you should close it off first. ...
  2. Wall it up. ...
  3. Screens. ...
  4. Furniture. ...
  5. Paint. ...
  6. Shelving. ...
  7. Flowerpots and art. ...
  8. Pet solutions.

Can fireplace screen be smaller than opening?

Measure the width and height of your fireplace opening. This will help you determine the appropriate size for your fireplace screen. Flat fireplace screens should overlap the opening by 1”. Folding fireplace screens need to be 1” taller than the fireplace opening and 10-12” wider.

Can a fireplace be too big for a room?

You don't have to worry if the standard width of a fireplace or any other aspect is too big or small for the space. You can uniquely craft a fireplace that works for the room's needs.

Is it OK to block up a fireplace?

By temporarily blocking up a fireplace, however, you can retain it as a decorative feature, increase the thermal efficiency of your home and begin using your fireplace again in the future, if you want to.

How much does it cost to widen a fireplace?

Again, as a guide, for us to chop out the fireplace, widen the opening, fit a concreate lintel, fire boards and hearth (in a choice of colours)… approx. £1000.

How big should my fireplace be when compared to the size of my room?

What are the best fireplace sizes for medium and large rooms? Medium rooms (400 to 800 square feet) typically require fireplaces between 30-36 inches wide. For large rooms exceeding 800 square feet, fireplaces over 40 inches wide are most effective for heating and aesthetics.

Can a fire be too big in a fireplace?

Build a fire appropriate to the size of your fireplace. Burning too much wood at once can make overhot fires which damage fireplace components, or which spill out of the fireplace.

How to calculate fireplace opening?

the 1⁄65 ratio to large rooms (Ref. 1). A fireplace opening's height-to- width ratio should be between 1:1 and 1:2. Not only is a wider open- ing more pleasing aesthetically, but a tall, narrow opening is more like- ly to release smoke into the ro o m .

How to reduce fireplace opening?

For a permanent installation, there are decorative metal plates or hoods for sale, or the opening height can be reduced by building up from the bottom, usually by laying a few extra rows of fire brick on the fireplace floor.

Can you put a sofa in front of a fireplace?

If you have an open fireplace, it's important to make sure that the couch is far enough away from the fire so that it doesn't get too hot and at risk of fire. But if you have a closed fireplace, there's less risk of the couch getting too hot. The advised distance between a fireplace and your furniture is three feet.

How big should a fireplace opening be?

A fireplace should have a minimum round flue diameter of 200 mm. If that condition is met then the flue size should be 15% (or more) of the fireplace opening size. You can use our fireplace flue calculator to work out the flue size needed for a particular fireplace just click the link below.

Does a fireplace burn better with the doors open or closed?

Increased Air Flow – Keeping the doors opened allows for better oxygen supply, resulting in a more vibrant fire. Intense Heat – With more oxygen, the fire burns hotter and brighter, providing a powerful source of warmth.

Should fireplace be bigger or smaller than TV?

One of the most common queries we receive is “how big should my fireplace be ? if my TV is …” As a general rule for design and build, the fireplace should be at minimum the same width as the TV or better 5 to 8 inches wider than the TV being placed above.

What is an Amish fireplace?

Amish electric fireplaces, also known as Amish heaters, are home heaters whose mantels are handcrafted by Amish artisans, but these aren't typically used by the Amish. The Amish feel that taking power from the public grid will damage their sense of community and establish a strong connection to the outside world.

What is the healthiest type of fireplace?

As stated above, gas fireplaces can be up to 86% efficient, and a flueless gas fireplace is 100% efficient. These kinds of fireplaces are a great producer of heat and are one of the more eco-friendly options available. In addition to being more eco-friendly, gas fireplaces also present fewer health risks as well.

What is a chase fireplace?

A chimney chase is the long, narrow space that runs from the fireplace up the chimney and through the roof. The chimney chase houses the flue pipe. It's what you probably think of when you hear the word “chimney,” that rectangular structure on the roof of your house that smoke comes out of.

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